I’m writing this on a Monday morning, and that is how I already feel about this entire week and even the weekend.

My schedule is so packed with things I need to do and places I need to be, it’s not looking like I will be able to take a relaxing breath again until next Monday. However, someone kindly reminded me today that, for as busy as the week will be, it will also be a very productive one.

The time spent from one activity to the next should be very beneficial in the days, weeks and months to come. It is important for me to keep focused on the task at hand and not just keep wishing for the end.

Some may have the same feeling towards the ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations that have been occurring for the past 13 months.

After several years of this and other trade negotiations, it can be easy to just want it done so you no longer have to worry about it.

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Luckily, the end seems to be getting closer as U.S. and Mexico have supposedly reached a deal, and there is a chance there will be agreed-upon text between Canada and the U.S. before you read this. However, that step alone is not the final end to NAFTA.

As dairy continues to be a contentious issue, particularly between Canada and the U.S., how it is managed through these final negotiations and steps is more important than just reaching a deal and moving on.

Through media coverage previously reported, everything from supply management to Class 7 to increased imports have been questioned in regard to a new deal. There can be a lot at stake, or maybe only a little, but any change to the status quo could impact dairy farms across Canada.

Some tasks are simply too big and too important to only hope for the end and disregard the means by which it was accomplished.

There continue to be farmers, trade experts and policy influencers impacting these discussions. Some do so regularly, while others jump in as they can, but every effort and every voice is important in these ongoing negotiations.

Being present and not just waiting for the end is what could influence the results and the future of the industry.

With so much undecided on whether or not there is an agreement, and what exactly it might include, it is hard to know what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

You probably cannot be thankful it is over just yet, but after watching all that has occurred over the past 13 months, you can be thankful for all of those people who have been working tirelessly to see the interests of Canadian dairy farmers are considered.

And then, hopefully due to their efforts, one day everyone can take a relaxing breath. Not just because it is over but also because it was productive.  end mark

Karen Lee